What is medical cannabis?
Cannabis can be a confusing world to navigate, even though medical cannabis has been legal since 2001. Since recreational cannabis became legal in October 2018, it has been more openly discussed in main stream media and around the dinner table – but there is still a lot of uncertainty. So, what is the difference between medical and recreational cannabis?
Medical cannabis is used to help patients who are suffering from a variety of symptoms or ailments. It requires a prescription from a physician and is purchased directly from a licensed cannabis producer. Recreational cannabis is usually purchased for its psychoactive effects, from a dispensary or online store.
Why medical guidance is important
It’s not easy to determine the best course of action if you’re looking to try cannabis for medical purposes. Different strains of cannabis or products such as oils or capsules can all have different effects on the body. If you’ve heard of THC or CBD, these are two of the most common components of cannabis that can create different psychoactive effects, but can also have therapeutic effects if consumed correctly.
This is where medical professionals with cannabis expertise come into play. Physicians with a scientific understanding of the plant can develop comprehensive treatment plans. This type of expertise is available at clinics such as CannaWay Clinic, where patients who receive a cannabis prescription are given all the tools to effectively incorporate medical cannabis into their life. And there are other benefits too; to start, medical cannabis may be covered by insurance (depending on your personal insurance plan) and it is also a tax-deductible medical expense, so you can receive money back every year. Medical patients also have access to products that are not necessarily available in recreational dispensaries.
Taking the first step
Whenever possible, we encourage patients to obtain a referral from their family physician to visit our clinics, although it is not required. If you are not sure where to start, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team online or by phone to discuss whether medical cannabis is right for you.
This article is intended for informational purposes only. If you have any questions or are considering any recommendations, please consult your health practitioner.
